The "O" word and fears of layoffs

When I tell folks that my field of interest is in outsourcing most people balk. They equate outsourcing with job losses in the US and just don't want to know any more. This goes for IT folks and most other disciplines. It is with some reluctance that Purchasing and Supply management professionals have started taking interest in getting the management of outsourcing right. Because if outsourcing is done right it need not be the dreaded "O"(= Layoffs) as this article by Steve Fox in InfoWorld/Blackenterprise.com explains. If IT folks take an active interest as outsourcing decisions are made and more importantly, implemented - it is good for all parties. Unless you are in it you cannot win it as they say ...